Have you ever come to the start of a new year and find yourself regretting things about the past year? I have, and it can certainly cast a shadow on the new year. My prayer is that each of us will endeavor to live in 2024 in a way that we will have no regrets when it is done. Here are eight tips to help us reach this goal.
Take one day at a time. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34KJV).
Start each day in fellowship with Jesus in prayer and Bible reading. Learn to listen. “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3KJV).
Consciously and deliberately submit your will to the Lord and determine with His help to be obedient. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 KJV).
Clear your heart. Forgive those who have wronged you and ask forgiveness of those you have wronged. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you” Ephesians 4:32KJV).
Be thankful and express it to the Lord and people. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15 KJV).
Count your blessings. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2 KJV).
Pray for guidance and strength. “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:10 KJV).
Live in the expectancy of Christ’s return. “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6KJV).
Print this list out and place it where it can be a reminder every day so when December 31 comes, you will have no regrets. 2024 is a year planned by our Lord; may He richly bless each of you.